Arlo Package Detection Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

Arlo Package Detection Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

Arlo's package detection feature provides peace of mind, alerting you the moment a delivery arrives at your doorstep. When it stops working, you lose a valuable layer of security. If your Arlo camera has suddenly stopped notifying you about packages, don't worry. The issue is usually related to a subscription setting or camera configuration.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential troubleshooting steps to get your Arlo package detection working again. We'll cover everything from your subscription plan to the physical placement of your camera.

## Step 1: Verify Your Arlo Secure Subscription

First and foremost, package detection is a premium feature. It relies on cloud-based AI to analyse the video feed, and this is only enabled for paying subscribers.

• Check Your Plan Status: Open the Arlo app and navigate to Settings > Subscription.
• Confirm Active Subscription: Ensure you have an active Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus plan. If your subscription has expired or you are on the free basic plan, package detection will not be available.
• Check Camera Assignment: If you have a single-camera plan, make sure the specific camera you want to detect packages with is assigned to that plan.

## Step 2: Enable Smart Notifications

Even with a subscription, you need to explicitly tell the Arlo app that you want it to look for packages. This is configured in the notification settings for each camera.

1. Open the Arlo App and select the Devices tab.
2. Tap the settings icon (gear) for the camera in question.
3. Go to Armed Settings or Smart Notifications.
4. Within the mode you use (e.g., 'Armed'), ensure that the toggle for Packages is turned on. If this is off, the camera will record video but the AI will not scan it for packages.

## Step 3: Optimise Your Camera's Placement and View

The AI needs a clear and unobstructed view to identify a package. The physical position of your camera is critical for accuracy.

• Angle and Height: The camera should be mounted high enough to see your entire delivery area but angled downwards to get a clear view of the ground where packages are left. A top-down view is ideal.
• Avoid Obstructions: Make sure that plants, railings, furniture, or decorations are not blocking the view of your doorstep.
• Lighting: Ensure the delivery area is well-lit, especially for nighttime deliveries. If the area is too dark, the camera's night vision may not provide enough detail for the AI to work reliably.

## Step 4: Configure Activity Zones Correctly

Activity Zones tell your Arlo system where to pay attention and where to ignore motion. If a package is delivered outside of a defined zone, you won't get an alert.

1. In the camera's settings, go to Video Settings > Activity Zones.
2. Create a new zone or edit an existing one.
3. Draw the zone to precisely cover the area where delivery drivers place your packages. Be specific – don't just draw a giant box around your entire yard. Make the zone tight around your porch or doorstep.
4. Save the zone and ensure it is active.

## Step 5: Reboot Your Camera and Base Station

If all your settings appear correct, a simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches.

• Reboot the Camera: If your camera has a removable battery, take it out for 60 seconds and then reinsert it. If it's a wired camera, unplug it from its power source for a minute before plugging it back in.
• Reboot the Base Station/SmartHub: If your camera is connected to a Base Station, unplug the Base Station from power for 60 seconds and plug it back in.

By systematically checking your subscription, app settings, and camera setup, you can easily diagnose and fix the reason your Arlo package detection is missing in action.